HealthSheets™

Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.

Treating Hepatitis B (HBV)

Keep appointments with your healthcare provider.

Acute hepatitis B symptoms usually go away. You can be treated for hepatitis B. But there is very rarely a cure. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for follow-up to be sure the virus is gone from your blood. If you develop long-term (chronic) hepatitis B, you can help your body fight it. Your provider may tell you to follow these guidelines:

Avoid most over-the-counter pain medicines

Don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. If taking acetaminophen, don’t take more than 2 grams a day. Always ask your provider before taking any medicines. Some can do more harm to your liver.

Don't drink alcohol

It may do more harm to your liver.

Eat a balanced diet

A diet low in fat, high in fiber, and full of fresh fruits and vegetables helps you stay healthy.

Keep your appointments

Going to checkups with your provider helps keep a close watch on your liver. If you are pregnant, your provider will check for hepatitis B. He or she will discuss treatment to reduce the chance you will pass the disease to your baby.

Get treatment if your provider tells you to

Usually, no medicine is used to treat an acute infection. But if you have chronic hepatitis B, your healthcare provider may give you medicine to treat it. The medicines are called antiviral drugs. Your provider will watch your infection to see if it getting worse. He or she will also watch to see if you have any liver damage. Sometimes the medicines must be taken for years.

Use a condom when having sex

This is to avoid passing the disease on to someone else. Also let your partner know you have hepatitis. HBV is a sexually transmitted disease. This means it can be passed on to other people through sex. It can also be transmitted through drug use by sharing needles, straws, and other drug equipment. The disease can also be prevented by getting a vaccine.

Be informed

Stay in touch with your provider. Make sure anyone you have close contact with sees a provider for testing, vaccination, and counseling. Help tell others about how HBV is spread. The more people know about hepatitis B, the easier it is to prevent its spread.